Several vaccinations are advised before travelling to Sarawak; consult your GP or travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure to ensure you have time to complete all the series of injections.

Malaria is also present, so you will need to bring anti-malarial medication. Wearing long sleeves and trousers is also advised, as well as insect repellent. This also protects against dengue fever. Remember, malaria can develop up to a year after exposure, so keep an eye out for any symptoms.

Citronella is the favoured repellent for many travellers. However, this should be avoided as it attracts hornets – giant wasps with an extraordinarily painful sting.

Tap water is unsafe to drink also be wary of ice in drinks and unpeeled fruit and vegetables.

Avoid eating bushmeat such as monkeys or bats as these are often carriers of diseases – as well as often being inadvisable for environmental reasons.

Leeches are present in the lowland jungles. These are more unpleasant than dangerous, but you can buy ‘leech socks’, which are effective at stopping them, and keep your trousers tucked into your socks or boots.

Sarawak is hot and humid, especially in the jungle, so keep well hydrated at all times.

It’s advisable to bring a basic first aid kit and medication for sickness and diarrhea.

If you need to be hospitalised, travel to the mainland may be necessary, so be sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Forest fires in neighbouring Indonesian Borneo cause serious air pollution which is getting more and more dangerous each year; 2015's fires have been described as a "crime against humanity". Travellers with respiratory problems should exercise precautions, and all travellers are advised to check with their holiday company on the severity of the smog in Sarawak - and ask if face masks are available when in the worst affected areas.

Visit the CDC website for up to date health information on Malaysia

Sarawak in general is a very safe destination with relatively low crime rates. Tourists should exercise the usual precautions – not walking alone at night, not leaving valuables such as cameras and smart phones on display, using registered taxis, etc.

There have been cases of bag snatching from roadsides when walking around towns and cities keep your bag on the opposite side of your body to the road and keep your passport and money in a concealed belt.

Traffic accidents are not uncommon.Only ever travel with your trusted tour guide and group.

Malaysia is largely conservative, Muslim country, and you should dress modestly, particularly in rural areas,to avoid causing offence.

Homosexuality is not widely accepted and homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia, so same-sex couples are advised to act discretely in public.

Talk to the local people - they have so much passion and many stories to tell. - Deanne Ward-Thompson

The infrastructure and facilities are a lot more westernised than I was expecting, don't go too overboard on packing lots of thing you don't think you can buy. - Kirsty Howland

Take an open mind and enjoy every moment. - Michelle Blois

Take lots of memory for your camera as there will be lots of things to photograph. - Antony Stanton

Be prepared to dress for all weathers from heavy rain to bright sunshine. - Claire Onody

To get the best out of everything it's important to be prompt and prepared. The organisation was very good, so put any cares or concerns to one side and sit back and enjoy. - Jonathan Reed-Lethbridge

It says you'll get an adventure and you do. Don't expect your home comforts here. - Penny Earle

Be as mentally, physically and emotionally healthy as you can so you can put 100% effort into your adventure - it is priceless. - Sherryn Page

Many animals are high up and difficult to see. We knew exactly what we were going to and thought the experience was unbelievable, but some people hadn't expected this and were disappointed. - Gillian Slater

Listen to the guides for guidance and information about the animals. Respect the fact that you’re a guest in the home of a variety of wild animals. - Fiona Trolley